Nunavut Employment Standards Guide
Nunavut follows employment standards inherited from the Northwest Territories, adapted for its unique northern context. As Canada's newest and largest territory, Nunavut has a predominantly Inuit population and an economy based on mining, government, and hunting/fishing.
Key legislation
- Labour Standards Act
- Human Rights Act
- Safety Act
- Workers' Compensation Act
Employment standards at a glance
Minimum wage
$20.17/hour (effective September 1, 2026)
Standard workweek
40 hours
Overtime threshold
8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
Public holidays
11 statutory holidays
Vacation minimum
2 weeks/4% in each of the first 5 years, 3 weeks/6% beginning in the sixth year
Notice of termination
2 weeks
Protected grounds
Human Rights Act (SNWT (Nu) 2003, c 12)
- Race
- Colour
- Ancestry
- Nationality
- Ethnic origin
- Place of origin
- Creed
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity or expression
- Marital status
- Family status
- Family affiliation
- Political belief
- Political association
- Social condition
- Conviction for which a pardon has been granted
Leave types
- Maternity leave (17 weeks)
- Parental leave (61 weeks)
- Compassionate care leave (28 weeks)
- Bereavement leave (7 days)
- Sick leave (5 days)
- Court leave
- Traditional Inuit practices leave
Legislation and workplace agencies
- Labour Standards Act (RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c L-1)
- Human Rights Act (SNWT (Nu) 2003, c 12)
- Safety Act (RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c S-1)
- Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC)
Key industries in Nunavut
- Mining
- Government Services
- Hunting and Fishing
- Arts and Crafts
- Tourism